Chapter 7

“I like your set of sailing ship ornaments,” Jill said. “Very appropriate. We also got you an early birthday present, since it’s in like two days.”

“We did.” Sophia handed her glass to Jill, picked up a box from the closest chair, held it out. “Go on, then.”

Colby glanced at Jason, taking the box. He wasn’t even entirely sure why; but Jason’s small nod and smile felt right. Sophia had presence and power and charisma; Colby belonged to Jason.

He opened the lid. And fell in love. “This is spectacular—how’d you find someone who knows how to reproduce sixteenth-century pens so well—that’s copper alloy, isn’t it, and look at how fine the split nib is—that’s such gorgeous craftsmanship—”

“Sophia knows a guy in Edinburgh.” Jill tossed a smile his way, then turned it on her partner. “We thought you’d like it.”

“Jillian said you did all your film’s calligraphy,” Sophia offered, reclaiming her glass of mead. “Happy early birthday, then.”